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Overview

As you browse through our site, you will see how geographically unique the Akwesasne Territory is, having an International Border running through our Territory and further to that, having the two provinces of Quebec and Ontario within the Canadian side of Akwesasne, where, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, is the elected system of government.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is a Community Government, elected through Custom Law, by the eligible voters of the Mohawk Community of Akwesasne. Every three years, four (4) Chiefs are elected from each of the three districts within Akwesasne: Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island, Ontario), Kana:takon (St. Regis, Quebec) and Tsi Snaihne (Snye, Quebec). There are a total of twelve District Chiefs and one Grand Chief. Together, the Chiefs constitute the Mohawk Council.

Council accepts political responsibility for specific areas of Community work. They also participate in portfolio committees to achieve community goals.

As of April 1, 2016, there are approximately 12,315 people registered/affiliated with the Mohawks of Akwesasne.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne total land base is 11,720 acres for the Territory of Akwesasne. In addition, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has approximately 2.54 acres situated at Concession 1 Cornwall, 45.82 acres at Drum Street, Fort Covington, New York, Township of Dundee approximately 1,174 acres.

MCA services the community in almost every avenue possible, from professional technical support to frontline support. The Executive Director is responsible for the operations of eight Departments, consisting of 60 Programs and approximately 800 employees.

The Mohawk territory of Akwesasne is jurisdictionally unique in that the Akwesasne Territory includes portions that are in Ontario and Quebec within Canada and in New York State of the United States of America. No other First Nation community in Canada has these unique jurisdiction and geographic features. To aid government administration and jurisdiction, the MCA has Political Protocol agreements with the Crown, the Province of Quebec, and is undertaking the development of a Political Protocol with Ontario.

Vision

Mission

To improve consistent quality service that will enhance the quality of life for all Akwesasronon today, while protecting our rights and preserving our resources for the next seven generations.

Values

Family and work is about relationships. Success in life is tied to the quality of our relationships and how much spirit we put into them. The Principles of Sken:nen (Peace), Kanikonriio (Good Mind), and Kasestensera (Strength) guide us.

Nation Building Processes

Inherent Right Process

Mohawk Round Table Process

Land Claim Negotiations

On-going Court Cases

Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples Report Implementation

Cooperation between Traditional & Elected Governments

Cooperative Economic Relationships with other Nations

Guiding Values

Respect, Integrity, Equality and Empowerment will be the basis for all that the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne endeavors to achieve. Respect for oneself, respect for others and ultimately respect for our Creator and all that the Creator provides.